*Shadowclad* by Maxie Jove is a confusing and disjointed read that leaves readers feeling lost and frustrated. The story follows Cera, the leader of assassins, and Zach, who is supposedly a spy but ends up as Cera's "shadow," in a plot filled with inconsistencies and missing information.

The narrative of *Shadowclad* is haphazard and convoluted, with too many details that fail to connect cohesively. The characters lack depth and development, making it difficult for readers to invest in their journey or care about their fates. The relationship between Cera and Zach feels forced and lacks genuine chemistry, further detracting from the overall reading experience.

The book is riddled with glaring plot holes and missing storyline pieces, leaving readers bewildered and questioning the logic of the world-building. It feels as though there should have been a prequel to better establish the foundation of the story, as the events in *Shadowclad* lack context and coherence.

Overall, *Shadowclad* fails to deliver a compelling and engaging narrative, leaving readers feeling disoriented and dissatisfied. The lack of clarity, unresolved plot points, and underdeveloped characters make this book a frustrating and disappointing read that falls short of expectations.

This is a book that struggles to find its footing and deliver a coherent and impactful story. Readers looking for a well-crafted and immersive reading experience may find themselves floundering in a sea of confusion and unfulfilled promises within the pages of this book.

Shadowclad gives Assassin’s blade / Assassin creed vibes mixed with will they wont they.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read as it gave every thing I wanted from an Assassin book. Wish we got more on the magic that is in the book but I loved the FMC she was the right amount of kickass and softness to set her apart from others.

If you like dual POV, kick ass but caring FMC, MMC with secrets, one bed, will they wont they and forced proximity then this book is for you.

Cera has been through a lot in life and faced many challenges but she keeps her cards close to her chest. As Reaper of secret organisation the Syndicate, everyday is a mission to stay alive! Enter our MMC Zack who also has a lot of secrets, all he wants is to get on Cera and the Syndicates good side to help New Kingdom. Shadowclad is an action packed epic fantasy romance with rebels, assassins and magic!

‘𝐼𝓃𝒸𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝒾𝒹𝓃’𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓉𝓌𝒾𝒸𝑒 𝒾𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝓅𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃… 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈𝓃’𝓉. 𝐼𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊’

There are so many characters I absolutely adored and really enjoyed reading about, I love how they all just start to blossom and share their personalities not only with the other characters but us readers as well! There’s a lot that goes on in the book and to be completely honest I did get lost in it a bit, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing as the best stories do just suck you in and make you forget about everything else except for the journey you’re embarking on with the characters. I loved the magical elements with the crystals, runes and elemental magic that leaves a lot to be uncovered in books to come! I also love the contrast between Cera and Zack and how different they are and yet they are both equally as loveable! There’s a lot of world building and political elements too which really helps you immerse yourself in their world.

This book is great for fans of Throne of Glass, Serpent of Wings and Night, and Powerless.
It has some great tropes including magic, found family, one bed, ‘who did this to you’, dual POV, and slow burn.

Thank you NetGalley and Sky Blanket Entertainment for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review to be posted on Instagram, Threads, and StoryGraph
@charlscozybookcorner
Published on 7th April 2024